Massive modern skyscrapers; obelisks; towers – all are structures that; thanks to their phallic shape; are often associated with sex. But other buildings are more subtly connected; as they provide the frameworks for our sexual lives and act as reminders of our sexual memories and fantasies. This relationship between sex and buildings mattered more than ever in the United States and Europe during the turbulent twentieth century; when a culture of unprecedented sexual frankness and tolerance emerged and came to dominate many aspects of public life.Part architectural history; part cultural history; and part travelogue; Sex and Buildings explores how progressive sexual attitudes manifest themselves in architecture; asking what progressive sexuality might look like architecturally and the successes and failures of buildings to reflect it. In search of structures that reflect the sexual mores of their inhabitants; Richard J. Williams visits modernist buildings in Southern California; the Playboy Mansion; the Westin Bonaventure Hotel; communes from the 1960s; and more. A thought-provoking and often entertaining look at a period of extraordinary social change coupled with aesthetic invention; Sex and Buildings will change the way we view the buildings around us.
#2355758 in eBooks 2014-11-06 2014-11-06File Name: B00PPH5LV6
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An understanding of Construction SpecificationsBy James J YawI am a Intern-Architect and have little exposure to written specifications in my office. This book provides short chapters with questions at the end of each chapter. Since a lot of this reading is enough to put a person to sleep; several times over; then testing yourself with the questions at the end of the chapter and checking the answers at the end of the book help to indicate if you have a grasp of the information provided. If not; it is time to re-read the chapter. I find the book is well worth the cost if you need an understanding of Construction Specifications for the Architectural Registration Exam. Best wishes.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Keeping up to date and getting betterBy RWLarchitectThis book has a long and very fine history and tradition. Rosen was a master; but recently other masters have been used an co-authors. The book is the better for their input and is certainly a comforting teacher to all those who are new to specifications writing; or who need a resoruce to check from time to time. Simply; excellence getting better!Classic in concept; tutorial in execution. The authors have seen fit to modify and augment the book to meet the changing world of specifications. This is a much needed; and high value book. Kudos to the authors-- high recommendation to prospective buyers and readers. Every design professionals book shelf NEEDS this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Really great reference for writing specifications coming from someone who has ...By only.corvettesReally great reference for writing specifications coming from someone who has no clue what they are but is required to have a basic working knowledge for my job.
